How I Came to Embrace the Same Principles Embraced by Henry George

Leo Foley

[Reprinted from Progress, with the title "How I Saw the Cat," July-August 2002]

While supposedly studying for my Economics Degree, which look all of the 1980s. I took every opportunity to avoid the books that I was required to read. But, in a perverse twist, I found great joy in exploring the library shelves and reading books on just about everything else. Some might call it an 'avoidance technique', but I prefer to think of it as the product of an enquiring mind!

On one of my library visits, I discovered the journal "Good Government", and was immediately drawn lo the principles espoused, the concepts explored, and the arguments contained within. But I was by no means a convert. The ideas were interesting to me. but were part of the marvelous flood of information that I was being exposed to as a mature-age university student. I was studying part-time, while working in a busy job, so there was little spare time for pursuing concepts outside of the curriculum.

Over several months, I returned to the "Good Government" shelf several times, and continued to read and enjoy the articles. A found a subscription notice in one issue, but didn't complete it for a couple of years, after completing my Degree. Then I had the time to pursue the things that I had found interesting, without the constant pressure of assignments and exams. Eventually, I joined the NSW "Association of Good Government", and received my own regular copy of the journal.

It was a passive interest, though, confined lo reading the journal without any discussion with others of like mind. Part of my confusion was the apparent disharmony between writers in "Good Government". I would read what I considered a fine article in one issue, only to find it scathingly attacked in the next. My level of understanding was not such that I could easily tell who was right and wrong, but I became aware of entrenched positions and a serious division in the ranks. I stayed out of that, despite receiving mail from both sides of the divide enlisting my support.

The New South Wales experience whetted my appetite, but did not satisfy me. By this lime. I had the vague outline of the cat, but still had more questions than answers. So. while visiting Melbourne, I called in to Hardware Lane and obtained some literature. I joined Tax Reform Australia that day, and allowed my New South Wales membership to lapse. It started a much more fruitful exchange -- one that continues to develop. The 'cat' was clearer now, but by no means fully defined. I was still in the realm of the single tax.

The critical time for me came with the Internet. As I lapped into "The Progress Report" and the "Understanding Economics" course, concepts crystallised and I felt an affinity with the subject matter. "Understanding Economics" introduced me to Progress and Poverty (which I had not read till then) and Fred Foldvary's editorials in "The Progress Report" broadened my horizons to think of Geoism as much more than a tax change. I now understood that the main thrust should be to maintain an attack on privilege, in all its forms. It became balm for my soul, and I sought the balm more and more. I had seen the cat and wanted more! It would be no exaggeration to say that I became addicted to "The Progress Report", using it as a springboard to Geoist links around the world. That has waned now, although I am still a regular site visitor, but the Internet has so much wonderful information, that I feel I have returned to the wonders of the university library 20 years ago.

'Seeing the cat' has changed my outlook on most aspects of life, and everyday I look to apply it -- to newspaper articles. work and community matters. That makes me something of an oddball, but I am hoping that a Geoist course that I am currently advertising in Hobart will lead to discussion groups and a vibrant Gcoist movement here in Tasmania.

So, what can be learned from my experience?

• I found my own way to Geoism. but was helped by all those thati produced and contributed to "Good Government" and "Progress";
• I was impressed by Geoist principles, but was wary of the in-fighting, which delayed my development for several years;
• I was turned off by constant references to events of 100 years ago, and the use of cartoons and material that was past its use-by date;
• Books like "Land" (P Day) gave me the information I needed to open dialogue with others;
• I was reluctant to open that dialogue, wanting to 'know it all' before I could get started. That was an incorrect stance. I'd now recommend anyone to get involved at any level, and learn. There are no simple answers to the big question ns like compensation. It needs research.
• For me, face to face dialogue is essential, so contact with others was needed to move forward. I thank Fred Auld, Peter Consandine, and Karl Williams for spending time with me in Tassie.
• I was impressed with articles that applied the principles to current day problems;
• The late Tony O'Brien wrote articles with the references I required to satisfy my critical mind;
• But most of all, the internet is the way forward!! It consolidates all our work, worldwide. It allows us to refer interested enquirers to well considered and well presented position papers, and to join in discussion forums with people who have thought about all these things before.
• Get online!! But also stay in contact with our network of friends. Work together for the good of all.